Punjab Floods 2025: Over 4.2 Million Affected as UNOCHA Issues Urgent Warning

Severe monsoon rains and floods have devastated Punjab, leaving more than 4.2 million people across 18 districts struggling to survive. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), which carried out a Rapid Needs Assessment (RNA) with government support between September 8 and 18, the crisis is among the worst in years.

Muzaffargarh Worst-Hit

Muzaffargarh is the most affected, accounting for nearly a quarter of the total impact. Other badly hit districts include Jhang, Bahawalpur, Khanewal, and Multan.

Out of 161,000 houses assessed, around 46,000 were fully or severely damaged, while 115,700 were partially damaged. Nearly 2.8 million people have been displaced, many of whom urgently need shelter, food, blankets, mats, tents, and winter supplies.

Health Facilities in Crisis

The survey also revealed that 742 health facilities were affected. Of these, 395 were damaged, including 80 fully destroyed. Districts like Bahawalnagar, Jhang, and Muzaffargarh suffered the most damage. With malaria reported in 64% of villages, and rising cases of skin infections, diarrhea, and dengue, the lack of health infrastructure is becoming a critical threat.

Schools and Students Impacted

The floods destroyed 667 schools, more than half of them girls’ institutions. Additionally, 217 schools are being used as evacuation centers. Over 101,000 students are affected. District Sialkot tops the list with 210 damaged schools, followed by Jhang (110), Gujrat (83), and Muzaffargarh (82).

Water and Agriculture Hit Hard

Nearly 97,000 water supply schemes have been damaged, with 48,500 fully destroyed. Most of the losses were reported from Muzaffargarh, Jhang, and Bahawalpur.

Communities dependent on agriculture and livestock are facing severe economic strain. Over 85% of villages rely on crop farming, and more than 70% of households depend on livestock. The floods destroyed standing crops, killed animals, and left most families with less than a week’s food supply. In Multan, 81.7% of villages reported critical food shortages.

Government Response

Prime Minister of Pakistan increased compensation for families of flood victims from Rs1 million to Rs2 million, a package that will cost around Rs2.033 billion. Since June 26, about 3 million people have been rescued or evacuated. However, with nearly 1,000 deaths already confirmed, the Senate Standing Committee was warned that the humanitarian crisis is still unfolding.